Engineers from BAE Systems (www.baesystems.com) have created what is claimed to be the UK’s first computerised indoor trainer for wheelchair athletes. This was on display at the Farnborough International Airshow last week in an exhibit showcasing BAE Systems’ eight-year technology partnership with UK Sport.

The BAE team designed a device known as the WATT (Wheelchair Athlete Test and Training) system that allows wheelchair racers to replicate indoors any training sessions they would receive outdoors — meaning that training quality and schedules are never compromised by the weather.

Originally developed with the use of CAD technology, the system consists of an adjustable frame that holds the athlete’s chair in place and two electric-motor brakes — adapted from the Tacx Virtual Reality (VR) bike trainer — that rest against the rear wheels. The brakes can apply different levels of resistance to the wheels, thereby helping to accurately simulate different road and course environments.

The built-in software allows athletes to simulate courses from anywhere in the world; via the accompanying screen, they can visualise the road ahead, with the brakes offering a varied work-out. In future, this technology could be augmented by adding VR technology to create an immersive training experience.

In addition, the WATT System allows athletes to record their performance, measure improvements over time and compare their race times to those of other athletes. The screen can also be used to display work-out data via BAE Systems’ own bespoke software, showing the speed of the athletes, as well as the level of power pushing down on the wheels — helping athletes to refine their technique.

Henry White at BAE Systems said: “The new WATT system is a ground-breaking advance in wheelchair racing and a product that we’re proud to be able to offer athletes. There are a number of problems that they face when training in poor weather conditions, but with this new system, they’ll be able to complete whatever training they need and access courses from all over the world, from wherever they are.”